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In a push to save the pollinators, the City of Deer Park is developing a “Butterfly Highway” to connect the natural prairie areas we have located within the City. These include the Deer Park Prairie on the South side of town and the Deer Park Wetlands on the Northeastern side of town. Both of these areas are unique and part of a world-wide habitat loss. We are incorporating pollinator gardens in many of our parks linking them together to increase both native plant species and native pollinator species. This highway will also be useful to birds and butterflies during their annual migration.

FACTS

Over 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants require a pollinator to reproduce!

Pollinators come in many shapes and sizes and include species of bats, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, beetles, ants, and bees just to name a few.

Did you know that bees are by far the most effective pollinators? Remember, BEE kind to bees!

Around the world, pollinators are declining due to factors that threaten all biodiversity. Loss of habitat is the principal reason, followed by improper use of pesticides, pollution, and invasive species.

Pollinators are important! Their numbers have been rapidly declining. If communities come together we can save the pollinators before it’s too late! Community gardens like this are a big step in the right direction. You can help out at your house too. Here are some things to keep in mind for your pollinator garden:

Refrain from using pesticides and herbicides. They will harm the pollinators and their source of food.

Provide a variety of flowers that will bloom over an extended period of time to provide a stable source of food or nectar.

Include both host and nectar plants to attract and keep pollinators in your garden.

Use plants native to the area for best results. Avoid hybrid type species.

Don’t forget to provide protection from wind and a source of shallow water.